Why Do Teeth Decay?

Cavity (tooth decay) is mostly the destruction of the hard tissue of the tooth called enamel, the dentin beneath it, and sometimes the hard tissue covering the root surface. It usually occurs when carbohydrate‑rich foods (sugar, starch, etc.), cola and similar sugary carbonated drinks, cake, chocolate, etc., especially sticky foods, remain on the tooth surface for a long time. Bacteria present in the mouth feed on these food residues and, with the help of these microorganisms, produce acid. After a while, this acidic environment causes destruction of the tooth’s hard tissues and forms dental caries. The bacterial plaque in the mouth can produce acid from the residues of sugary and flour‑based foods left in the mouth. These acids dissolve the mineral tissue of the teeth, leading to the breakdown of enamel and ultimately the start of tooth decay, causing the cavities that dentists refer to as pits. Who Gets More Cavities? Since cavities form when bacteria meet sugary and flour‑based foods, there is a risk for everyone. However, those whose diet contains a very high proportion of carbohydrate and sugary foods, and whose water has a very low fluoride level, are at a much greater risk of cavities. Although saliva forms a natural defense mechanism against the acid produced by bacterial plaque, it cannot prevent decay on its own. Diseases or medications that reduce saliva flow and volume also accelerate cavity formation. Can Tooth Decay Be Prevented? Yes.

1. Brushing the teeth after breakfast in the morning and before going to bed at night, and using dental floss regularly every day, is the most effective method. Because food residues accumulate most in the grooves of the chewing surfaces and the interproximal areas where teeth touch each other, an appropriate toothbrush should be chosen.
2. Trying to consume sugary foods during main meals and making an effort not to eat anything between meals is another preventive measure.
3. Regular dental check‑ups at appropriate intervals are the best way to catch decay in its early stage.

The Importance of Milk Teeth: The teeth in the mouth are in two groups as milk teeth and permanent teeth. There are a total of 20 milk teeth and 32 permanent teeth. There is sometimes a misconception in society as if milk teeth are unnecessary. The main reason for this false belief is that milk teeth will fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth. However, milk teeth undertake many tasks while they are in the mouth. The period when milk teeth are present in the mouth coincides with the most active period of growth and development in childhood. Forming the first step of the digestive system with cutting and grinding functions, milk teeth affect nutrition and, accordingly, growth and development. Milk teeth preserve the places of the permanent teeth coming from underneath in the dental arch. In other words, they have the function of natural space maintainers. Milk Tooth Traumas: Milk tooth traumas are frequently seen in the pre-school period, especially due to the difficulty of young children in maintaining their balance. Studies show that the incidence ranges between 11% and 30%. It has been reported that the large differences in these rates stem from the low rate of applying to a physician. The incidence increases in direct proportion to the increase in physical activity at ages 1 - 3. Boys are affected more. It has been determined that the incidence of trauma in permanent teeth is 22% and is frequently seen between the ages of 8 - 11. Milk Tooth Trauma Treatments: The time of occurrence affects the amount of the tooth's affection and the treatment plan. Where the event took place is important in terms of tetanus prophylaxis. To protect against the potential harms of dental traumas, regardless of the type and magnitude of the trauma, if there is no problem related to the general health status such as loss of consciousness, bleeding, loss of balance, headache, vomiting, nausea, difficulty speaking, etc., a dentist, and if possible, a pediatric dentist, must be consulted as soon as possible. What to Do to Protect Against Milk Tooth Traumas: The primary duty of families and caregivers is to be prepared against dental traumas. This preparation includes knowing what to do in emergencies and determining the physician to be reached. In addition, children should be provided with mouthguard appliances and helmets while doing sports, a seat belt and car seat in the car, and environments where they will not fall at home. The time elapsed between the trauma and applying to the dentist is the primary reason affecting the success of the treatment. If a tooth is broken and the broken piece can be found, it is necessary to consult the dentist as soon as possible (within the first 1 hour) by putting the broken piece into milk immediately. Tooth Wear: Throughout life, our teeth are exposed to many chemical and physical factors. As a result, decay, trauma, and wear can occur in teeth. Tooth wear types are abrasion, attrition, abfraction, and erosion. Attrition is defined as the physiological wear that occurs in the areas where teeth are in contact during functional or non-functional movements, without any substance in between. Abrasion is the wear of teeth resulting from the contact of foreign objects with the teeth inside the mouth. Abfraction is wedge-shaped lesions caused by the tensile forces created by eccentric occlusal forces in the cervical region. Erosion is defined as the loss in dental tissue caused by acids entering the mouth, without physical or microbial effects. Gum Diseases (Periodontal Diseases): Periodontal diseases are inflammatory diseases affecting the gums and other tissues supporting the teeth. Periodontal diseases are responsible for 70% of tooth losses in adults. When diagnosed early, these diseases can be treated easily and successfully. Periodontal diseases start with gum inflammation (gingivitis). That is, gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease. In this period, the gums are bleeding, red, and enlarged in volume. It may not cause much discomfort in the early stage. If left untreated, the disease can progress to periodontitis, causing irreversible damage to the gums and the jawbone supporting the teeth. Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of periodontal diseases. Damage occurs in the jawbone along with other tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease progresses, the teeth begin to shake and may even lead to extraction.